2014 – Copenhagen

Copenhagen covers an area of 74.4 km2, is the capital of Denmark and its most populous city, with a city population of 541,989 (2011).

Copenhagen has placed public-private partnerships at the core of its approach to eco-innovation and sustainable employment. The city works with companies, universities and organisations in dedicated forums to develop and implement green growth. Its North Harbour project, for example, will include a “Green laboratory” that will focus on eco-technologies, a model that can be transferred to other towns and cities. This example of green economic development tackling environmental, economic and social concerns has high potential for replication in the region around the city and beyond.

The jury singled out Copenhagen as a good model in terms of urban planning and design. It is also something of a transport pioneer, aiming to become the world’s most practicable city for cyclists. Its goal is to have 50 % of people cycling to their place of work or education by 2015 (35 % cycled to their workplace or school in 2010), helping the city reach an ambitious goal of being CO2 neutral by 2025.

Communication actions to engage citizens are very effective, as Copenhageners feel they are part of the solution.

The Jury concluded that Copenhagen is a highly successful role model for the green economy, with an efficient communication strategy and the commitment required to develop its role as a model for Europe and beyond.

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Carbon Neutral by 2025

Copenhagen intends to be carbon-neutral by 2025. In terms of Energy Performance, an estimated 75% of the CO2 reductions will come from initiatives in relation to the city’s energy system mainly involving an increase in the share of renewable energy in the City’s district heating.

A cyclist’s dream

The city has clearly set itself the overall goal to be the world’s best city for cyclists. The goal is to have 50% of people cycling to their place of work or education in Copenhagen in 2015 (the 2010 figure was 35%), thereby contributing to meeting the ambitious goal of CO2 neutrality by 2025. The KARMA initiative to promote cycling amongst citizens shows good buy-in from all City stakeholders, as does the city’s pedestrian strategy. Communication actions to engage citizens are very effective; Copenhageners feel they are part of the solution.